Browse green tick delayed

The West Australian government has delayed releasing the environmental report into
Woodside
’s controversial $35 billion Browse gas hub at James Price Point while it seeks legal advice into the approvals process.

The WA Environmental Protection Authority was due to announce its decision on whether to approve the hub today but Environment Minister Bill Marmion issued a statement late last night advising of the delay.

Conservation groups opposing the hub had raised concerns this week after it was revealed that four out of the five EPA board members tasked with assessing the development had to remove themselves from the process due to conflicts of interest. Two members were excused from the process as they owned Woodside shares, while another worked for joint-venture partner BP. The fourth member has never been included in the decision as they have a long-standing, unknown conflict of interest.

A spokeswoman for Mr Marmion said the matter would be treated as high priority but it was not known how long it would take to seek the necessary advice.

The gas processing facility planned for a coastal area north of Broome has divided residents, with many fearing it will bring the high rents and social problems being experienced by mining towns in the Pilbara. It has also caused friction within the indigenous community and is still the subject of legal action over its native title agreement.